Olde South Christmas Ball ~ Dance Schedule

"There was a land of
Cavaliers and Cotton fields...
called the Old South"

Olde South Christmas Ball
2011 Dance Schedule

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Set 1
Grand March
Virginia Reel
Duke of Kent's Waltz
Carolina Promenade

Break, Shopping, Waltzing
Olde South Photography Studio closes at end of break

Set 2
Spanish Waltz
Soldier's Joy
Gothic Dance

Break and Dessert

Set 3
The German Waltz
The Physical Snob
Leah's Waltz

Break, Shopping, Silent Auction Results, Waltzing

Set 4
Spanish Waltz
Carolina Promenade
Snowball Virginia Reel

Free Dance Practice
11:00-12:30, December 15, 2012
Location TBA

Ball Etiquette of the 1860s

During the early Victorian era, dancing was considered a social mixer. Most dances were group dances and spouses rarely danced together.

At a private party, a gentleman could offer to dance with a lady without an introduction, but at public balls he would first secure an introduction from a mutual acquaintance or the master of ceremonies.

If attending a ball, gentlemen were expected to dance and to make sure there were no "wall flowers."

If a lady declines to dance with a gentleman, she is expected to give him a reason. She then should not accept another partner for the same dance unless it was previously promised.

During the course of a dance, one should endeavor to look pleasant, politely greeting other couples in the set as one moves through the figures of the dance. However, one should not dance or caper in a manner that would draw attention to oneself.

When a dance is complete, the gentleman should offer refreshment or a stroll to his partner. If she declines, he should conduct her to her seat and thank her again for the dance, whereupon she should smile and nod politely.

All dancers should wear white or ecru wrist-length gloves to protect the ladies' dresses from soiling.

No hats, bonnets, sabers, or spurs are to be worn when dancing.